The Vandermist Dossier (2022) Board Game

The Vandermist Dossier is a board game released in 2022 by designers Diorama and Puzzelpost. It falls under the categories of adventure, deduction, murder/mystery, puzzle, and real-time gameplay. With a focus on cooperative play and simultaneous action selection, the game challenges players to work together to solve a mysterious case.

Game Components of The Vandermist Dossier

Clues and evidence from the 1979 cold case

Investigative materials and documents

Narrative elements and puzzles

Game box containing the remains of Abigail Vandermist’s investigation

How To Setup The Vandermist Dossier

To set up the game, players open the box to find the collected clues and evidence from Abigail Vandermist’s investigation. The setup involves organizing these materials, which are presented as if they were the actual case files from 1979. This immersive approach helps players step into the role of investigators trying to solve the mystery.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together to solve the mystery.

Narrative Puzzle Adventure: Players unravel a narrative through solving puzzles and examining clues.

Cold Case Investigation: The game objective is to solve the cold case from 1979 by piecing together the evidence and clues left behind by Abigail Vandermist.

Problem-Solving: Players must use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to progress through the game.

Player Experience

Playing The Vandermist Dossier is an immersive experience that feels like a real-life detective investigation. Players are engaged in unraveling a complex mystery, and the game’s design makes them feel like they are uncovering actual case files. The cooperative nature of the game encourages teamwork and communication among players.

Pros

Immersive Storytelling: The game provides a deeply immersive narrative experience.

Challenging Puzzles: Engaging puzzles that require critical thinking and problem-solving.

Cooperative Play: Encourages teamwork and collaboration among players.

Unique Presentation: The game components are presented as real case files, adding to the immersion.

Cons

Complex Setup: Setting up the game can be time-consuming due to the extensive materials provided.

Limited Replayability: Once the mystery is solved, the game may not offer much replay value.

Personal Thoughts on The Vandermist Dossier

The Vandermist Dossier is ideal for those who enjoy narrative-driven games, puzzle enthusiasts, and fans of mystery and detective stories. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate cooperative gameplay and are looking for an immersive, engaging experience that challenges their problem-solving skills. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking high replayability or a quick, simple setup.

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